Illuminable sign for building structure having interior and exterior control switches



N. LAZAR Dec. 26, 1967 INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR CONTROL SWITCHES Filed June 25, 1965 R flu R. m Y 1 mm M WR 4 N 0 0 N .T 6 M I N v F 9 B United States Patent 3,360,791 ILLUMINABLE SIGN FOR BUILDING STRUCTURE HAVING INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR CONTROL SWITCHES Nandor Lazar, 1210 Stockley Gardens, Norfolk, Va. 23517 Filed June 25, 1965, Ser. No. 466,985 6 Claims. (Cl. 340330) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An indicia carrying, electrically illuminable sign mounted on a building wall facing but spaced from a public thoroughfare, and a wiring circuit therefor quickly disconnectable from a power source, including a pushbutton switch quickly disconnectable from the circuit mounted near the thoroughfare for intermittently illuminating the sign, and further including a switch quickly disconnectable from the circuit connected in parallel with the push-button switch and mounted within the building for continuously illuminating the sign.

This invention relates generally to an illuminable sign, and more particularly to an electrically illuminable sign adapted to be mounted exteriorly on a building structure and capable of being intermittently switched on from a selected point remote from the building structure as well as continuously switched on or off from a selected point within the building structure.

During the hours of darkness it often becomes necessary or desirable for persons to proceed into unfamiliar areas in search of some particular building in which they may have business to transact, or for the purpose of calling upon friends or acquaintances Whoseresidences may not be readily locatable by those not perfectly familiar with the neighborhood. The task of locating such a building or residence is frequently made more difficult, particularly in suburban or rural areas, by the inadequacy of the street lighting, the lack of a sufficient number of well situated street signs carrying block identification numerals, and the obscuration of address numerals placed on the unlighted exterior of buildings set well back from the public thoroughfares.

Occasionally, the time lost in determining after nightfall the location of a particular building, or even the general vicinity of the building, may be of material import, as, for example, where an ambulance or other emergency vehicle called for the purpose of transporting a seriously ill or a badly injured person to a point where adequate medical facilities are available arrives too late to be of benefit. Further, on other occasions, such a loss of time can be a serious annoyance to those who may be required to make numerous calls during the hours of darkness such as, by way of example, caseworkers employed by a department of public welfare who must interview employed recipients of public assistance during their periods of leisure.

The problems hereinbefore set forth may, in certain 0 3,360,791 Patented Dec. 26, 1967 "ice Another object of the instant invention is the provision of a simple and inexpensively electrically energized illuminable sign intermittently operable from a point remote from a building structure carrying the sign.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of an electrically illuminable sign and a wiring circuit therefor including quickly disconnectible elements separable for rendering the entire circuit or selected portions thereof inoperative.

Still another object of the instant invention is the provision of an electrically illuminable sign adapted to be mounted exteriorly on a building structure and electrically connected to switches positioned Within the building structure as well as remotely therefrom.

Another further object of the present invention is the provision of an electrically illuminable sign adapted to be mounted exteriorly on a building structure and intermittently operable during the hours of darkness by passersby desirous of perusing data displayed thereon.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects are obtained by providing, on a wall of a building structure facing a public thoroughfare but spaced therefrom, a conventional electrically illuminable sign upon which is displayed selected informative data readable by passersby. A wiring circuit is provided to normally connect the sign to a suitable source of electrical energy; the circuit including a switch located within the building structure which may be closed to continuously illuminate the signal whenever desired, and further including a pushbutton switch located exteriorly of the building structure adjacent the public thoroughfare readily accessible to passersby who may therewith intermittently illuminate the sign whenever necessary. The wiring circuit is further provided with means for quickly disconnecting the entire circuit from the source of electrical energy, as well as means for quickly disconnecting either or both of the switches from the circuit as desired.

A more complete appreciation of the invention and 'many attendant advantages thereof will be readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary isometric view, partially in section, of a building structure facing a public thoroughfare and having a wall upon which is mounted the electrically illuminable sign of the instant invention; A

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric view, partially in section, of the interior of the building structure wall carrying the electrically illuminable sign and a portion of the wiring circuit therefor; and,

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the wiring circuit connecting the electrically illuminable sign with a source of electrical energy and including means for controlling the flow of electrical energy therethrough.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing wherein like reference numerals designate the same or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically to FIG. 1, there is shown a fragmentary portion of a building structure, generally designated by the reference numeral 11, having a wall 12. Wall 12 faces a public thoroughfare 13, but is set back therefrom in the grounds 14 upon which the building structure 11 is situated; a walkway 15 leading from thoroughfare 13 to a building entrance 16 constructed in wall 12. An electrically illuminable sign 17, which may be of any conventional type such as that shown, by way of example, in S. Gatkowskis US. Patent No. 1,658,163, or those shown in A. N. Lucians U. S. Patent No. 2,213,863 or W. P. Taylors US. Patent No. 2,509,707, is mounted on wall 12 in the vicinity of building entrance 16.

Sign 17 is adapted to carry identifying numerals, such as the address numerals of the building structure 11, as

illustrated in the drawing, which preferably are of sufficient size to be easily read by a person standing on public thoroughfare 13. Other desirable indicia may also be carried by the sign 17 along with such address numerals or in lieu thereof, such, for example, as directional arrows and identifying numerals to guide passersby to adjoining city blocks, public buildings, and the like.

Since, as more fully set forth hereinafter, it may not be considered desirable at times to illuminate sign 17 continuously during the hours of darkness, means whereby passersby on public thoroughfare 13 may intermittently illuminate sign 17 are provided, and which constitute an important part of the present invention. To this end, a post 1 8is set in the grounds 14 of building structure 11 closely adjacent public thoroughfare 13. Mounted on post 18 is set in the grounds 14 of building structure 11 cessible to passersby on public thoroughfare 13 is a conventional push-button electrical switch 19 of the type ineluding a disk element which must be pressed against the action of a spring element to close an electrical circuit; the spring element reacting to move the disk element to break the circuit "when pressure against the disk element is removed. The push-button switch 19 is connected by a cable 21 having a pair of electrical leads 22 insulated each from the other into a circuit connecting sign 17 with a suitable source of electrical energy, as more completely expained hereinafter.

One or more conventional light reflective glass disks or buttons of the type commercially available in most retail hardware or automotive supply establishments may also be afiixed to the post 18, preferably near the upper extremity thereof, which, by reflecting light emitted by the headlamps of passing automobiles or the like, may make it easier for passersby to ascertain the location of pushbutton switch 19. In the interest of clarity, however, a showing of such conventional devices has been omitted from the drawing.

The wiring circuit connecting sign 17 with the source of electrical energy mentioned hereinbefore is shown pictorally in FIG. 2 and schematically in FIG. 3 of the drawing. 'In FIG. 2, the interior surface of the wall 12 is shown fragmentarily; the sign 17 mounted on the exterior surface of the wall 12 also being partially visible. At this point it is considered appropriate to note, in the interest of clarity, that wherever mention is made in this specification of an electrical cable, a showing of the cable identified by the appropriate reference numeral will be found in either FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, or both; whereas the electrical leads included in such cables, each identified by the appropriate reference numerals, are particularly shown only in FIG. 3. Accordingly, it will be seen that a cable 23 including a pair of electrical leads 24 extends from sign 17 through a suitable aperture in wall 12 and thence towards a conventional electrical receptacle 25 of the type provided with at least one double-slotted plug socket adapted to receive a conventional double-pronged plug, and which is operably connected to the electrical wiring system of building structure 11. The end of cable 23 adjacent receptacle 25 is provided with a conventional doublepronged plug 26, which may be plugged into receptacle 25; receptacle 25 and plug 26 being collectively referred to as a source of electrical energy 27 and schematically indicated as such in FIG. 3.

At a desired point alon gthe length of cable 23 disposed within building structure 11, one of the electrical leads 24 is severed, and a cable 28 having a pair of electrical leads 29 is disposed with an end thereof adjacent the point of severence of the lead 24; each severed end of the lead 24 being spliced to an end of one of the leads 29. Although the connection of cables 23 and 28 is seen in FIG. 2 as being without insulation, it is to be clearly understood that in practice suitable insulating material will be used to cover the junction of the cables 23 and 28 and for maintaining the relationship of the severed lead 24 and the leads 29 hereinbefore set forth.

The end of cable 28 remote from the junction thereof with cables 23 is connected with a conventional electrical receptacle 31 of the type provided with a pair of double-slotted plug sockets each adapted to receive a conventional double-pronged plug. Each of the plug sockets of receptacle 31 is connected in parallel with the other of the plug sockets thereof; yet, each of the plug sockets of receptacle 31 is connected in series with the severed lead 24 of cable 23, as clearly indicated schematically in FIG. 3.

The hereinbefore mentioned cable 21 leading from pushbutton switch 19 passes through a suitable aperture in wall 12 and terminates adjacent receptacle 31; this terminal end of cable 21 being provided with a conventional double-pronged plug 26 which, in FIG. 2, is shown plugged into one of the plug sockets of receptacle 31. A similar plug 26 is shown plugged into the other of the plug sockets of receptacle 31 in FIG. 2, and which is connected with a cable 32 having a pair of electrical leads 33; the other end of cable 32 being connected with a conventional switch 34.

It will now be apparent that, when all of the circuit elements are connected as shown in FIG. 2, the occupants of building structure 11 may throw the switch 34 to the on position to illuminate the sign 17, which will then remain illuminated until the switch 34 is rethrown to the off position. It is particularly contemplated that the occupants of building structure 11, if it is a private residence, would desire to continuously illuminate the sign 17 to display address numerals which may be placed thereon, when callers who may not be familiar with the locality are expected during the hours of darkness. Further, in the event that the sign 17 is placed on a public building, such, for example, as a water supply system pumphouse, it is contemplated that continuous illumination of the sign 17 may be desirable at certain times, especially when the data displayed thereon includes, along with directional arrows, indicia useful in assisting passersby in locating other city blocks, public buildings, and the like. If desired, when the sign 17 is continuously illuminated, the push-button switch 19 may be disconnected from the wiring circuit as redundant by the mere removal of the plug 26 connected to cable 21 from the receptacle 31.

When continuous illumination of the sign 17 is not deemed desirable, the switch 34 is thrown to the 01f position or, alternatively, the plug 26 connected with cable 32 is withdrawn from contact with its socket in receptacle 31. At such times, the plug 26 connected with cable 21 is plugged into receptacle 31, and pressure may be applied to the disk element of push-button switch 19 to complete the circuit between the source of electrical energy 27 and the sign 17 and illuminate the sign for so long as the application of such pressure is maintatined.

The use of the plugs 26 at the several points in the wiring circuit between the sign 17 and the source of electrical energy therefor, as hereinbefore set forth, is considered to be particularly advantageous. At such times as the occupants of building structure 11 are absent therefrom, it may be highly desirable to remove the plug 26 from the receptacle 25, thus completely disconnecting the wiring circuit for sign 17 from the source of electrical energy therefor. Then, in the event that a short circuit is established in the system as the result, say, of leakage of rain water into sign 17, push-button switch 19, or those portions of the electrical cables extending beyond the confines of building structure 11, there will be no immediate danger therefrom. While it is likely that such a short circuit may yet cause trouble when the occupants of the building structure 11 next reestablish the wiring circuit between the sign 17 and the source of electrical energy, no more than the blowing out of a fuse in the electrical wiring system of the building structure 11 should be involved, with the subsequent loss of electrical power in at least a part of the electrical wiring system of the building structure. Such a loss of electrical power during the absence of the occupants of building structure 11, if the contents of food freezers and the like were to spoil as a result thereof, could be costly, but at other times would be of small import.

The use of the plugs 26 to connect electrical cables 21 and 32 into the wiring circuit provided between the source of electrical energy and sign 17 permits the occupants of building structure 11, if relocation of either of the switches 19 or 34 is desired, to lengthen or otherwise alter the cables 21 or 32 while only a portion of the wiring circuit is rendered inoperative. The absence of such separable elements in the wiring circuit provided for sign 17 would otherwise necessitate the closing down of the entire circuit while such Work was being carried forward.

The cost of illuminating tne sign 17, especially if continuous illumination thereof is only infrequently desired, would be very low, since power then would only be expended while the push-button switch 19 is operated. Under such circumstances, the use of electrical storage batteries in lieu of the alternating current electrical energy source shown at 27 in FIG. 3 is considered entirely feasible. Such batteries, of course, may be placed at any other suitable point in the wiring circuit for the sign 17.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the foregoing teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. An electrically illurninable sign adapted to be mounted exteriorly on a building structure, and circuit means for connecting said sign to an electrical energy source; said circuit means comprising, in combination:

an electrical cable including a pair of electrical leads connected between said sign and said energy source;

a first electrical switch positionable within said building structure and connected in series with one of said electrical leads for continuously completing said circuit means and thereby illuminating said sign; and

a second electrical switch positionable remotely from said building structure and connected in series with said one of said electrical leads yet connected in parallel with said first electrical switch for intermittently completing said circuit means and thereby illuminating said sign.

2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said second electrical switch is of the push-button type.

3. An electrically illuminable sign adapted to be mounted exteriorly on a building structure, and circuit means for connecting said sign to an electrical energy source; said circuit means comprising, in combination:

an electrical cable including a pair of electrical leads connected between said sign and said energy source;

a first electrical switch positionable within said building structure and connected in series with one of said electrical leads for continuously completing said circuit means and thereby illuminating said sign;

a second electrical switch positionable remotely from said building structure and connected in series with said one of said electrical leads yet connected in parallel with said first electrical switch for intermittently completing said circuit means and thereby illuminating said sign;

means for quickly disconnecting said switches from said one of said electrical leads; and

means for quickly disconnecting said electrical cable from said energy source.

4. The combination according to claim 3 wherein said second electrical switch is of the push-button type.

5. For use with a building structure having a wall facing a public thoroughfare but spaced therefrom, the commination of:

an electrically illuminable sign carrying indicia readable by passersby on said public thoroughfare adapted to be mounted eXteriorly on said wall;

a first electrical cable including a pair of electrical leads connected between said sign and an electrical energy source;

an electrical receptacle of the type provided with a pair of double-slotted plug sockets each adapted to receive a double-pronged electrical plug mountable within said building structure, each of said double-slotted plug sockets being connected in series with one of said electrical leads of said first electrical cable yet being connected in parallel with the other of said double-slottted plug sockets;

a first electrical switch mountable within said building structure;

a second electrical cable including a pair of electrical leads extending between said first electrical switch and said electrical receptable, one end of said second electrical cable being electrically connected with said first electrical switch, the other end of said second electrical cable being electrically connected with a double-pronged electrical plug plugged into one of the plug sockets of said electrical receptacle;

a second electrical switch of the push-button type mountable remotely from said building structure; and

a third electrical cable including a pair of electrical leads extending between said second electrical switch and said electrical receptacle, one end of said third electrical cable being electrically connected with said second electrical switch, the other end of said third electrical cable being electrically connected with a double-pronged electrical plug plugged into the other of the plug sockets of said electrical receptacle.

6. The combination according to claim 5 including means for quickly disconnecting said first electrical cable from said energy source.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 985,943 3/1911 Sachs 307-114 1,661,994 3/1928 Brown. 2,324,844 7/1943 Hutt 3071 14 X 2,473,436 6/1949 Lynd 340330 2,496,073 1/ 1950 Trenholm 340366 3,135,953 6/1964 Bagno 340-366 X OTHER REFERENCES G. E. Remote Control Wiring System Manual 1952.

JOHN W. CALDWELL, Primary Examiner.

NEIL C. READ, Examiner.

I. LEVIN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. AN ELECTRICALLY ILLUMINABLE SIGN ADAPTED TO BE MOUNTED EXTERIORLY ON A BUILDING STRUCTURE, AND CIRCUIT MEANS FOR CONNECTING SAID SIGN TO AN ELECTRIC ENERGY SOURCE; SAID CIRCUIT MEANS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: AN ELECTRICAL CABLE INCLUDING A PAIR OF ELECTRICAL LEADS CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID SIGN AND SAID ENERGY SOURCE; A FIRST ELECTRICAL SWITCH POSITIONABLE WITHIN SAID BUILDING STRUCTURE AND CONNECTED IN SERIES WITH ONE OF SAID ELECTRICAL LEADS FOR CONTINUOUSLY COMPLETING SAID CIRCUIT MEANS AND THEREBY ILLUMINATING SAID SIGN; AND A SECOND ELECTRICAL SWITCH POSITIONABLE REMOTELY FROM SAID BUILDING STRUCTURE AND CONNECTED IN SERIES WITH SAID ONE OF SAID ELECTRICAL LEADS YET CONNECTED IN PARALLEL WITH SAID FIRST ELECTRICAL SWITCH FOR INTERMITTENTLY COMPLETING SAID CIRCUIT MEANS AND THEREBY ILLUMINATING SAID SIGN. 